LOCAL historians have been out in force in Saffron Walden to promote the first-ever Uttlesford History Fair, which runs on Saturday. The fair, organised by the Recorders of Uttlesford History, is free to visitors and will include workshops on house histor

LOCAL historians have been out in force in Saffron Walden to promote the first-ever Uttlesford History Fair, which runs on Saturday.

The fair, organised by the Recorders of Uttlesford History, is free to visitors and will include workshops on house history and family history for beginners.

There will be lots to see and do for families such as quizzes, challenges and interactive learning suitable for those aged seven and over.

Saturday will also be the last opportunity for local people to see the wonderful archives collected since medieval times by Saffron Walden Town Council.

This will be the last time these important and original archives - which include paintings, maps, the 15th century book of guilds and other important documents - can be seen by the public before they are sent to the Essex Record Office (ERO) in Chelmsford for safe keeping and digitisation.

There will also be an opportunity to view the seldom-seen Quaker Archives. The archives are currently looked after by the Saffron Walden Society of Friends and comprise volumes, documents, diaries, letters and other materials reflecting the importance of Quaker history in the town.

Local archaeology will be on show, while from outside the town there will be displays of documents, photographs, ephemera and objects from many parishes, including the Thaxted Archives which are hardly ever exhibited outside the town.

The ERO will also present exhibitions and workshops on family, house and local history.

The history fair is free to visitors and takes place at the Town Hall on Saturday March 28 from 10am to 5pm. Further information under events section on the recorders' website www.recordinguttlesfordhistory.org.uk